One of the biggest transactions of the NFL offseason was the Baltimore Ravens adding Derrick Henry in free agency. The NFL’s two-time leading rusher and former Offensive Player of the Year adds a new dimension to the Baltimore offense.
However, it has not been a seamless fit right away. Henry made his debut against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday Night Football in Week 1. The 30-year-old tallied 13 carries for 46 yards and a touchdown. While he managed to produce a score, this is a much lighter volume and impact on the ground than Henry has been accustomed to.
Now heading into the second week, Henry and the Ravens are set to face off with the Las Vegas Raiders. Baltimore enters as 8-point favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Raiders are +320 underdogs on the moneyline while the over/under sits at 41 for the game overall.
Why Derrick Henry Will Score a Touchdown vs. the Raiders
While it is a new location for Derrick Henry, he remains the offensive threat he has always been. Henry has secured double-digit touchdowns in each of the last six seasons, including leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 2019 and 2020.
While oftentimes rushing quarterbacks are a threat to steal away touchdowns from running backs, this is not the case with Lamar Jackson. The two-time MVP has never tallied more than seven rushing touchdowns in a season and has recorded just 10 touchdowns over the past three seasons. It is especially clear the team will rely on Henry in these opportunities considering Jackson’s decision to lose weight heading into the season. While he has not had as significant injuries as some feared, Jackson has played 16 games just twice in his seven-year career and health will continue to be a priority.
Looking at the odds, Henry’s rushing total is set at 74.5 yards for this game. His combined rushing and receiving total is set at 81.5 yards, although Henry did not tally a reception in his debut. He also holds -185 odds for an anytime touchdown, +310 odds to be the first touchdown scorer and +290 odds to tally two or more scores on DraftKings Sportsbook. Henry also holds +550 odds, trailing only Saquon Barkley (+400), to lead the entire NFL in rushing touchdowns this season.
The Ravens have a dynamic offense that was fourth in the NFL in scoring last year at 28.4 points per game. Gus Edwards led the team with 13 rushing touchdowns and they tallied 26 rushing touchdowns on the ground overall.
Henry is as good of a bet as any to find his way into the end zone weekly. The opportunity is there within the offense and Henry is an increase in talent from Edwards last season. This is especially the case this week against a Raiders team that ranked 17th in rushing touchdowns allowed last season and opened this season by allowing 176 rushing yards to the Chargers.
Expect the Ravens to continue increasing Henry’s role within the offense and for him to establish himself as the primary red-zone option. He managed to secure a rushing touchdown without much overall success in the opening week and will build off this against the Raiders.
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